For Immediate Release

Friday, April 7, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Town of Maynard to Celebrate 150th Anniversary

MAYNARD — Town Administrator Kevin Sweet is pleased to announce that the Town of Maynard will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the town on April 19, 2021 and is seeking input from residents on plans for the celebration.

The Town of Maynard was founded on April 19, 1871 when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted and signed Maynard’s charter, the result of a citizens’ petition presented to the Massachusetts legislature. The citizens’ vote to call the town Maynard was unanimous, as they wanted to honor the man who was a driving force in creating the lively manufacturing town. The first town meeting was held eight days later. Maynard was small but mighty, with a population of 1,820 people spanning over 5.24 square miles.

The 150th anniversary celebration, a sesquicentennial, will kick off with the opening of a time capsule that the residents of Maynard created in 1971 to be opened on April 19, 2020.

“Both the sesquicentennial and the opening of the time capsule are historic events that we want our entire community to be a part of, including the planning process,” Sweet said. “We encourage everyone to take a moment and let us know what they would like to see for this event, and of course to join us for the celebration.”

Until three years ago, the time capsule had been stowed away in the Town Records Vault where Assistant Town Administrator Andrew Scribner-MacLean noticed it while accessing some records. It is now on display in the Town Hall lobby.

“I looked over into the corner and saw this box,” Scribner-MacLean said. “I asked the town clerk if she knew what it was and she said she had no idea. When it was pulled down, we realized it was a time capsule that was created as part of the centennial event in 1971.”

In 1971, the town celebrated its 100th anniversary with elaborate celebrations and organizations throughout town helping to make the day a success. In the publication of the History of Maynard 1871-1971, the planning for the event was documented in great detail:

“Up to the time of this book going to the printer, in 1970, the following has been accomplished: The Centennial Belles and the Brothers of the Brush have been organized as the Participation Division; a Revenue Division and Publicity Division set up; the Centennial Jazz Band “Boiler Room Boys” organized and playing at the first affair, a dance, sponsored by the Belles on February 14, 1970; an Ethnic Cook Book Committee, sponsored by the Maynard Women’s Club; the following other Committees set up: Parade, Ball, International Day; revival of the annual 1929-1947 Six Mile Road Race, sponsored by the Knights of Kaleva; a revival of the 1929 Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta; the Centennial Medals made and being sold; Youth Day; Industry Day; and a fireworks contract signed.”

The planning process for other activities and presentations at the sesquicentennial has already begun, and the town would like feedback from its residents on how they would like to see the event celebrated. Residents can provide their input through a survey, here.

###